PIC18LF45K42-E/MV - 8-bit 64MHz XLP MCU 32KB Flash UQFN-40 | Microchip
MPN: PIC18LF45K42-E/MV ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.85 | $2.85 |
| 10 | $2.56 | $25.60 |
| 100 | $2.28 | $228.00 |
| 500 | $2.05 | $1,025.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.82 | $1,820.00 |
PIC18LF45K42-E/MV Overview
An 8-bit PIC microcontroller is a Harvard-architecture MCU built around an enhanced RISC core with separate program and data buses, optimized for deterministic interrupt latency and low-power embedded control. It sits inside the broader taxonomy: microcontroller -> embedded MCU -> 8-bit MCU -> PIC18 family -> PIC18F/LF K42 sub-family -> semiconductor. PIC18 K42 devices extend this lineage with on-chip DMA and rich CIP analog blocks aimed at sensor and motor-control applications.
Key features include 64 MHz internal oscillator (no external crystal required), 1.8–3.6 V VDD operation, XLP nanoWatt sleep currents below 50 nA typical, and an integrated 12-bit ADC with up to 35 analog channels and automated ADC sequencing. The on-chip DMA engine moves data between peripherals and memory without CPU intervention, offloading high-throughput peripherals like the ADC, UART and SPI. The Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) module allows remapping of digital I/O to a wide set of physical pins, simplifying PCB routing.
Typical applications include low-power IoT sensor nodes that benefit from XLP sleep currents, industrial sensor signal conditioning using the 12-bit ADC2 + op-amp + DAC chain, automotive body and HVAC modules in the extended-temperature range, and USB/HID or general-purpose USB bridging with the MSSP module. The 40-pin UQFN footprint exposes 36 I/O pins for keypad, LCD, or display matrix interfaces.
When designing with this device, place decoupling 100 nF and bulk 1–10 µF ceramic capacitors as close as possible to VDD/AVDD/VSS pairs, and connect all unused I/O pins to defined logic levels to minimize current leakage in sleep. The PPS configuration registers must be unlocked and locked in a specific sequence to prevent accidental remapping, as detailed in the datasheet configuration word section.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18LF45K42-E/MV — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with PIC18LF45K42-E/MV (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Comparators, Core Architecture, DAC, Data SRAM.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18LF45K42-I/MV
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF45K42T-I/MV
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F45K42-E/MV
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF46K42-E/MV
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF47K42-E/MV
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F46K42-E/MV
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF45K42-E/MV Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC18 enhanced RISC |
| Family | PIC® XLP™ 18K (PIC18 K42) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 32 KB (16K x 16) |
| Data SRAM | 2 KB |
| EEPROM | 256 B |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 64 MHz |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +125 °C (E suffix) |
| I/O Pins | Up to 36 |
| ADC | 12-bit ADC2, up to 35 channels |
| DAC | Yes (5-bit / 8-bit) |
| Comparators | Yes |
| DMA Controller | Yes (on-chip) |
| PWM | Yes (multiple CCP/ECCP) |
| Communication | UART, SPI, I²C (MSSP) |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes |
| Package | 40-pin UQFN (5x5 mm), MV |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 1 |
PIC18LF45K42-E/MV Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/ANA0 — GPIO / analog input |
| Pin 2 | RA1/ANA1 — GPIO / analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA2/ANA2 — GPIO / analog input |
| Pin 4 | RA3/ANA3 — GPIO / analog input / VREF+ |
| Pin 5 | RA4/ANA4 — GPIO / analog input |
| Pin 6 | RA5/ANA5 — GPIO / analog input |
| Pin 7 | RA6/ANA6 — GPIO / analog input |
| Pin 8 | RA7/ANA7 — GPIO / analog input |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 10 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 11 | RB0/INT0 — GPIO / external interrupt 0 |
| Pin 12 | RB1/INT1 — GPIO / external interrupt 1 |
| Pin 13 | RB2/INT2 — GPIO / external interrupt 2 |
| Pin 14 | RB3/INT3 — GPIO / external interrupt 3 |
| Pin 15 | RB4 — GPIO |
| Pin 16 | RB5 — GPIO |
| Pin 17 | RB6/PGC — GPIO / ICSP clock |
| Pin 18 | RB7/PGD — GPIO / ICSP data |
| Pin 19 | AVSS — Analog ground |
| Pin 20 | AVDD — Analog positive supply |
| Pin 21 | RC0 — GPIO |
| Pin 22 | RC1 — GPIO |
| Pin 23 | RC2 — GPIO |
| Pin 24 | RC3 — GPIO |
| Pin 25 | RC4 — GPIO |
| Pin 26 | RC5 — GPIO |
| Pin 27 | RC6 — GPIO |
| Pin 28 | RC7 — GPIO |
| Pin 29 | RE0 — GPIO |
| Pin 30 | RE1 — GPIO |
| Pin 31 | RE2 — GPIO |
| Pin 32 | RE3 — GPIO / MCLR |
| Pin 33 | RD0 — GPIO |
| Pin 34 | RD1 — GPIO |
| Pin 35 | RD2 — GPIO |
| Pin 36 | RD3 — GPIO |
| Pin 37 | RD4 — GPIO |
| Pin 38 | RD5 — GPIO |
| Pin 39 | RD6 — GPIO |
| Pin 40 | RD7 — GPIO |
Typical Applications
PIC18LF45K42-E/MV is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning, Automotive Body and HVAC Module, USB HID / Generic HID Bridge, Smart Home Edge Controller, Medical Wearable Patch, Educational and Hobbyist Embedded Platform.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC18LF45K42-E/MV's XLP nanoWatt technology with typical sleep currents below 50 nA and a 1.8 V minimum VDD make it well suited to coin-cell and Li-ion battery IoT sensors. The 64 MHz core wakes quickly from sleep to service the 12-bit ADC2 measurements from temperature, humidity and motion sensors, then returns to idle within microseconds, achieving multi-year battery life. The DMA controller moves ADC samples directly into RAM buffers without waking the CPU for sustained throughput. Pair the MCU with a low-power radio such as the Microchip RN2483 LoRa module and use the MSSP SPI bus for high-speed sensor I/O.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
The on-chip 12-bit ADC2 with up to 35 analog channels, integrated 5-bit/8-bit DAC, rail-to-rail comparators and op-amp front-ends make the PIC18LF45K42-E/MV a compact signal-conditioning platform for industrial 4-20 mA loops, RTDs and bridge sensors. The on-chip DMA engine can chain ADC scans at up to 100 ksps while the CPU executes digital filtering or PID control loops. PPS allows routing analog and digital functions to any pin, simplifying PCB layout in dense multi-channel designs. The -40 to +125 C extended temperature range suits factory-floor enclosures and outdoor installations.
Recommended
Automotive Body and HVAC Module
Automotive body controllers, HVAC modules and lighting drivers benefit from the PIC18LF45K42-E/MV's -40 C to +125 C extended operating temperature range and rich CIP peripheral mix. The PWM, CWG and 12-bit ADC2 generate precise motor control signals for blower fans and stepper actuators while the MSSP handles SPI/I2C communication with sensor clusters. Note that for AEC-Q100 qualified automotive designs you need the PIC18F45K42-E/MV (F variant) or a Q-grade part; the LF part suits non-safety automotive convenience subsystems. The DMA controller offloads repetitive register updates, leaving the CPU free for state-machine control logic.
Recommended
USB HID / Generic HID Bridge
Although the PIC18LF45K42-E/MV does not include an on-chip USB peripheral, the MSSP (SPI/UART/I2C) and PPS-rich digital subsystem make it a capable bridge controller between a USB-serial chip and a legacy MCU or sensor cluster. Designers commonly pair this part with an external MCP2200 or MCP2221 USB-UART bridge and use the K42's 64 MHz core for protocol conversion, sensor aggregation and HID-style report generation. The 32 KB Flash accommodates full USB-to-I2C/SPI bridges and small HID stacks without external memory. For native USB HID designs, switch to the PIC18F45K42 with on-chip full-speed USB.
Recommended
Smart Home Edge Controller
The PIC18LF45K42-E/MV suits smart-home edge controllers driving keypads, LCDs, rotary encoders and low-power radios like LoRa or sub-GHz transceivers. PPS lets the designer route UART, SPI and PWM to nearly any of the 36 available I/O pins, easing multi-radio baseboards. CWG and PWM peripherals drive LED indicators and small DC loads while the DMA engine services ADC readings from light or motion sensors. The XLP sleep modes keep standby power low enough for always-on wall-powered devices to meet Energy Star ratings.
Recommended
Medical Wearable Patch
The PIC18LF45K42-E/MV's low-voltage 1.8 V operation, sub-50 nA XLP sleep current and small 5x5 mm UQFN-40 footprint suit disposable or rechargeable medical wearable patches. The MCU can drive a heart-rate, SpO2 or temperature sensor front-end using the integrated 12-bit ADC2 and on-chip DAC for sensor biasing, then buffer samples via DMA for upload over a low-energy Bluetooth link using a companion RN4870 module. The extended -40 to +125 C range tolerates skin and sterilization-temperature exposure. Note that clinical safety-critical functions require IEC 60730/UL compliance review beyond what a generic MCU datasheet guarantees.
Recommended
Educational and Hobbyist Embedded Platform
The PIC18LF45K42-E/MV is a popular target for hobbyist and educational projects thanks to its free MPLAB X IDE, XC8 compiler support and rich CIP feature set that exposes students to ADC, DMA, PWM and interrupt-driven design. The 40-pin UQFN (MV) version is convenient for breakout boards and Curiosity development platforms from Microchip. The generous 32 KB Flash and 2 KB RAM are sufficient for small RTOS demos, USB bridges or multi-sensor prototypes, while the peripheral pin select simplifies breadboard iteration by remapping peripherals without board rework.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18LF45K42-E/MV — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18LF45K42-I/MV | PIC18LF45K42T-I/MV | PIC18F45K42-E/MV | PIC18LF46K42-E/MV | PIC18LF47K42-E/MV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 40-pin UQFN (MV) 5x5 mm | 40-pin UQFN (MV) 5x5 mm - same | 40-pin UQFN (MV) 5x5 mm - same | 40-pin UQFN (MV) 5x5 mm - same | 40-pin UQFN (MV) 5x5 mm - same | 40-pin UQFN (MV) 5x5 mm - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core / Max Frequency | PIC18 8-bit, 64 MHz | PIC18 8-bit, 64 MHz | PIC18 8-bit, 64 MHz | PIC18 8-bit, 64 MHz | PIC18 8-bit, 64 MHz | PIC18 8-bit, 64 MHz |
| Flash / SRAM / EEPROM | 32 KB / 2 KB / 256 B | 32 KB / 2 KB / 256 B | 32 KB / 2 KB / 256 B | 32 KB / 2 KB / 256 B | 64 KB / 4 KB / 1024 B | 128 KB / 8 KB / 1024 B |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +125 C |
| ADC | 12-bit ADC2, up to 35 channels | 12-bit ADC2 | 12-bit ADC2 | 12-bit ADC2 | 12-bit ADC2 | 12-bit ADC2 |
| DMA Controller | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| USB | No | No | No | Yes (full-speed on F part) | No | No |
| Approx. 1k Price (USD) | $1.82 | $1.78 | $1.78 | $1.92 | $2.10 | $2.45 |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest-voltage (1.8 V) operation in the K42 family (vs PIC18F45K42-E/MV)
- Extended temperature range -40 to +125 C (vs PIC18LF45K42-I/MV)
- Direct upgrade path to 64 KB Flash / 4 KB RAM (vs PIC18LF46K42-E/MV)
- On-chip DMA with 12-bit ADC2 (vs PIC18F45K22-E/MV)
Design Notes
The PIC18LF45K42-E/MV requires a clean 1.8 V to 3.6 V supply rail. Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to each VDD/AVDD pin pair, and add a bulk 1 µF to 10 µF ceramic on the main VDD rail. Estimated: with the XLP sleep current at 50 nA typical, a CR2032 coin cell of 220 mAh can sustain sleep for thousands of hours; active current of about 5 mA at 64 MHz drops continuous-operation life to ~44 hours. For noise-sensitive analog performance, use a ferrite bead or small L between VDD and AVDD.
The 40-pin UQFN MV package has a center exposed thermal pad that must be soldered to a ground copper pour for mechanical and thermal reliability. Route all analog signals (ANAx, VREF+, AVSS) with short, guarded traces away from switching nodes like PWM outputs and clock lines. Use a continuous ground plane on layer 2 to provide low-impedance returns. The PPS feature lets you assign digital peripherals to any digital-capable pin - plan pin assignments early to avoid re-spinning the PCB layout.
Always unlock the PPS configuration registers before changing peripheral mappings, and re-lock them afterward to prevent accidental writes from runaway code. Configuration bits such as WDT, BOR and oscillator selection are one-time programmable - errors here require reworking the part. Do not exceed 3.6 V on any VDD or AVDD pin, as the LF variant is not 5 V tolerant. Avoid driving I/O pins beyond their source/sink ratings (typically 25 mA per pin) - use a buffer FET for high-current loads.
When routing SPI buses above 8 MHz, add 33 ohm series resistors near the driving pins to dampen reflections on long traces. The MSSP I2C pins need external pull-up resistors (typically 2.2 k to 10 k depending on bus speed and capacitance). For ADC2 measurements, use a separate analog ground island under AVSS that joins the digital ground only at the MCU GND pin to avoid ground-loop noise injection.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive safety-critical applications use Q-grade K42 variants. Halogen-free and lead-free packaging.
